The valleys around Mount Fansipan, in Vietnam’s northwest, are the favourite trekking location in Vietnam, from short rambles to visit the local markets, ethnic villages and rice terraces, to longer multi-day trails which delve deeper into the landscape and cultural diversity, including overnight stays with various ethic families to enjoy their hospitality and discover their daily lives.
The trek up to the top of the mountain, to reach the highest point of Indochina at 3,143 metres (10,312 feet) is another interesting, though fairly strenuous climb without requiring specialist knowledge or technical equipment, and ideal for the walker wanting to push themselves a little. The ascent and return is normally accomplished in 2-3 days and is perfect for inclusion within a wider trek of the area's scenery and cultural interest.
Another northwestern region, which provides beautiful scenery through which to hike is Ba Be National Park, a highly featured landscape with shapely forested mountains, lakes, caves and waterfalls and likewise home to interesting cultural blends. Nearby, to the east, the natural features around Cao Bang, including the lovely Ban Gioc waterfall fringing the Chinese border, make for a satisfying alternative or extension.
A little way south of Hanoi, the areas of Mau Chai and Pu Luong Nature Reserve are rewarding places to ramble among the agricultural villages and upland forests, meeting local communities and enjoying the wildlife, much of which it shares in common with the nearby Cuc Phuong National Park, another great trekking destination in this region, which also features the important Endangered Primate Rescue Centre.
The area of Ninh Binh is also a rewarding hiking spot, and its scenery a wonderful backdrop to your efforts. Although short, the 486 step Hang Mua Hike affords a wonderful view over the surrounding landscape. A variation in the route also rewards with the audacious Dragon sculpture.
To the east of Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, often a stop for cruises in Ha Long Bay, is the largest of the 366 islands of the Cat Ba archipelago, and its National Park is of itself a rewarding area for exploring both its inland and coastal features, while enjoying its abundant wildlife, most notably the endemic Cat Ba Langurs.
Nestled between Hue and Hoi An, Bach Ma stretches from the eastern coast all the way to the Annamite Mountains on the border with Laos, and is an area renowned for its rich animal populations, including nine primate species, the wide diversity of its birdlife, and numerous walking trails.
In the central highlands of Vietnam, the area of Kon Tum, southeast of Hoi An, provides an opportunity to visit its various ethnic groups, distinct from those in the north and, if desired, enjoy a stay in one of their traditional Rong Houses.
In the south of the country, to the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien is another luxuriant area to enjoy the trails into the forest and visit its Yellow-Cheeked Gibbons.